The Northern Sector - Overview

Whatever happens during the upcoming North Branch Campaign Simulation, the northern sector of the campaign theater is likely to get some attention from both sides. The Union army has a minor campaign objective of getting at least one division across the North Branch River, which would result in extended campaign  time to focus on their major objective. The ford at Foxtown is the closest river crossing to the Federal opening positions. It could be used as part of a "northern route" to Arlington (the major objective) Foxtown-Warren-McNeal-Tomlinson's Ford-Arlington.

The northern sector has a number of challenges for the Federals. The first is Cosner's Gap, lies between the opening Union lines and Foxtown. The Union forces would be advancing from the west, climbing and attacking up a fairly steep and wooded ridge (if the Confederates choose to defend it), reminiscent of the historical actions South Mountain in September 1862.  With little ability to use their artillery, the Federals would have to push the Confederates off the ridge and take the gap in order to move on to Foxtown. 

Alternatively, or in conjunction with an attack on the gap, Federals could also move units around Cosner's Gap and attempt to advance on Foxtown via Sitesville. There were several small actions at Sitesville during the previous simulation, so some of the players are familiar with parts of the terrain. The challenge for a Union advance via Sitesville will be McGee Hill. The hill overlooks the Sitesville Road, which runs from Mt. Zion Church to Foxtown. 

Circumventing Cosner's Gap completely via Sitesville may appear to be a tempting option, but any Rebel divisions in the Northern Sector also pose a direct threat to Springfield. Springfield is the Union base of supply. By sacking it, the Confederates cut off  the arrival of Federal ammunition and severely cripple the Union campaign efforts. At the very least, the Union forces need to be prepared to defend Springfield from any possible advance from Sitesville or Cosner's Gap via Franklin and Marion.  As unpleasant a task as it may seem, clearing Confederates from Sitesville and Cosner's Gap may be the wisest strategy for the Union army, unless it throws enough strength further south to divert Confederates away from the northern sector. Even if the campaign if focused further south, it is unlikely that the opposing sides would leave a void in the northern route between Springfield and Arlington via Foxtown. There was cavalry action in this area in the previous simulation. 

Foxtown itself is difficult for the Confederates to defend. The Union would be advancing from high ground, with open fields to the west of town that afford ample positions for artillery placement. The Federal tactical objective at Foxtown, however, is on the opposite of the North Branch River. The Union forces must force a crossing. A portion of the east bank of the river is covered by a stone wall, providing good cover for Rebel defenders. The rivers in the campaign theater can be crossed (as seen at the Battle of Newtown in the last simulation), but at a substantial fatigue penalty that greatly diminishes combat effectiveness. The Union attackers have three routes to Foxtown (via Cosner's Gap, Sitesville, and Valley Manor), but only one route from Foxtown to Warren. The bottleneck starts at the ford just east the town (Foxtown).

Assuming that Federal forces reach Foxtown and secure the east bank of the North Branch River, the path to their major objective is clear. The must fight through the town of Warren, a wilderness homestead  belonging the McNeal family, another ford at the Bull Head River, and then, finally, Arlington itself.  With the exception of Warren and parts of Foxtown, the northern route has some tough terrain that limits an artillery advantage held by the Federals. To push through to their major objective (no matter which route or routes are taken) the Union will need to overwhelm or wear down defenders while keeping forward motion. The key for both sides in a campaign is resource allocation to meet objectives. Where do stack up divisions and where do you spread them thin. The challenges of command.